Yana Skakun
University of Cambridge
Cambridge University Graduation Photographer
Senate House · King's Chapel · Trinity · The Backs
January · June · July Ceremonies
Your Cambridge Graduation, Photographed Well
Cambridge graduation is a once-in-a-life milestone — Senate House, academic dress, your family gathered in one of the world's most extraordinary settings. The photographs from this day will be shared, printed, and kept for decades. They deserve to be done properly.
I offer relaxed, unposed graduation photography that captures the real emotion of the day — alongside the formal portraits families expect and display. Working around the ceremony schedule, grounds access, and Cambridge's particular combination of crowds and extraordinary settings.
Packages
Cambridge Graduation Photography
Graduate Solo
£195
45 min · 30 images
- Graduate portraits only
- College grounds & Senate House
- 30 edited images
- Gallery in 5 days
- Print-ready files
Most Popular
Graduate + Family
£295
75 min · 50 images
- Graduate & family portraits
- Up to 8 family members
- 50 edited images
- Gallery in 5 days
- Full print-ready gallery
Full Day Coverage
£495
4 hrs · 80 images
- Ceremony & portraits
- Family groups & celebrations
- 80 edited images
- Gallery in 7 days
- Gown & formal portraits
Why Choose a Private Photographer
No queue, no rush
University official photographers operate a queue system during peak periods. A private photographer works entirely to your schedule and spends the full session on your family.
Natural alongside formal
Official photography tends toward posed and formal. I capture both — the formal portrait your parents want on the wall, and the genuine moment they'll treasure even more.
Multiple locations
With a private photographer you're not tied to a single backdrop. Senate House, King's Chapel, The Backs, your college — the session covers the settings that mean most to you.
Delivered in days
Your edited gallery is ready within 5–7 days — while the celebration is still fresh and the family WhatsApp group is still asking for photographs.
Locations
Cambridge Graduation Portrait Locations
Senate House
The ceremonial heart of Cambridge University — Wren's magnificent neoclassical building where Congregation ceremonies take place. The Senate House Passage and Lawn are the defining backdrop for Cambridge graduation portraits.
King's College Chapel
The finest Gothic building in England — and the most recognisable backdrop for Cambridge graduation photographs. Morning light on the chapel's west face is extraordinary.
Trinity College Great Court
The largest court in Oxford or Cambridge — a natural cathedral of stone and history, and one of the finest settings for formal academic portraits in England.
The Backs
Willow-fringed river meadows behind the Colleges — the Cam at The Backs provides a more relaxed, atmospheric alternative to formal court settings for family portraits.
Cambridge Graduation Photography FAQs
When should I book for my Cambridge graduation?+
As soon as your ceremony date is confirmed — ideally 2–3 months in advance. Cambridge graduation ceremonies cluster in January, June, and July, and photographer availability for the most popular dates fills quickly. Many graduates book a year or more in advance for June and July ceremonies.
Do you have access to college grounds and Senate House?+
Senate House Lawn is publicly accessible during graduation periods. College courts and grounds vary — most allow photography during graduation week for graduates and their guests. I have detailed knowledge of access arrangements for all the main colleges.
How long after the ceremony should we photograph?+
Immediately after the ceremony is the most natural time — gowns on, emotions high, the light at Senate House often best in late morning. I recommend scheduling at least 90 minutes after the ceremony begins to allow for running over.
What about the crowds at Senate House during peak graduation?+
University of Cambridge graduation periods can be busy, particularly June and July. I know the quieter corners, the lesser-photographed angles, and the specific times when crowds thin. We'll get the iconic backgrounds without the chaos.
Can you photograph both the ceremony and portraits?+
The Full Day package covers ceremony arrivals, senate proceedings (where permitted), and portrait time across multiple college and campus locations. For the majority of graduates, the Graduate + Family package — post-ceremony portraits — is the most practical and popular option.
More from Yana Skakun Photography
Get in Touch
Book Your Cambridge Graduation Photography
Share your ceremony date and college — I'll confirm availability and send full details.